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Boston Area’s Best Cheesesteaks

July 18, 2012 6:00 AM

Photo Credit: Al’s State Street Cafe

Whether you call it steak and cheese or cheesesteak, you don’t have to go to Philly for a tasty version of this hearty sandwich. It is a versatile sandwich that is just as good served simply featuring the steak and cheese on a roll, but can be amped up with veggies like peppers and onions or topped with regular sandwich fixings like lettuce and tomatoes. Check out a few spots that are serving up Boston’s best versions of the classic steak and cheese. But be warned, you won’t find any cheez whiz around these parts.

For over 40 years, Imperial Pizza has been serving up Italian favorites in a casual environment. Although loved by locals for its pizza, the steak and cheese is another dish worth heading in for. Imperial uses premium beef, which is freshly sliced and cooked up before stuffed into a 10-inch French sub roll. The bundle is then coated with shredded mozzarella cheese. This treat is toasted to perfection in the pizza ovens for diners all week long until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. The sub is just over $6 as is, or you can add mushrooms, onions and peppers. Enjoy all the toppings you want by ordering the steak bomb or try the steak and cheese calzone for $9, served with marinara sauce either on top or on the side.

Photo Credit: Michelle Levine

Dino’s Cafe
141 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-1991

For the absolute biggest steak-and-cheese sub in town, Dino’s has you covered with its 16-inch subs for around $10. You can choose your cheese preference between American, provolone and mozzarella, and then pick from a few varieties of fillings for the cheesesteak subs. The Sicilian steak features seasoned, shaved steak with grilled, balsamic-glazed portabello mushrooms and roasted plum tomatoes; Steak Bellino has plenty of roasted peppers and caramelized red onions mixed in with the meat; and the steak pizzaiola stays true to the spot in the North End with mozzarella and marinara sauce.

Fresh bread, affordable prices and speedy service are what makes Al’s a go-to spot for those working in the Financial District. For $6 to $8, feast on one of Al’s amazing cheese and steak options. Between the custom-made Steak Italiano with seasoned steak and your choice of toppings and the Steak Pizzaiola with a mound of steak coated in melted cheese, homemade marinara sauce and a “dusting of parmesan cheese,” you really can’t go wrong. Don’t be turned off by the long lines because Al’s is well equipped with plenty of sandwich makers lined up ready to get you in and out in minutes.

Another Financial District sub shop is Italian Café. It serves breakfast sandwiches, pizza by the slice and a wide range of subs. However, it also make a mean steak and cheese. For just $5 to $7, The Italian Cafe constructs Steak Bellino, Sicilian Steak and Steak Pizzaiola sandwiches, but the true winner of this cafe is its Steak Bomb. This meaty mouthful is sure to fill you up, featuring seasoned steak, mushrooms, peppers, onions, salami and cheese. If looking for a twist to your standard beef, order the grilled pastrami sandwich that comes topped with mushrooms and onions.

Sometimes it is totally worth it to head just outside of Boston for an unbelievable steak and cheese. For $7.75 to $8.75, Carl’s offers a wide range of steak sub options. Yes it does offer the classic cheesesteak, but try something different like the BBQ cheesesteak featuring provolone cheese and BBQ sauce, the cajun steak with spices and American cheese or the teriyaki steak smothered in teriyaki sauce and American cheese. There is even a nachos steak sub with steak, spicy corn strips, melted cheddar and jack cheese, fresh salsa, lettuce and sour cream. Carl’s is not afraid to mix up meats either, offering steak subs featuring sausage, bacon, pepperoni and salami alongside the steak and toppings.

Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.